Waterford Heritage Plan 2017-2022
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People and Place Waterford Heritage Plan 2017-2022 1 Contents Foreword 3 Preamble 5 Strategic Objectives 8 Actions 11 Appendices 15 2 FOREWORD Waterford can trace its origins back to the third century when the King of Munster granted the Desii, lands from the Suir to the sea and from Lismore to Creaden Head, embracing almost all the present County of Waterford. In the 9th century the Vikings came to Waterford and these are two of the key significant events in history that give Waterford its sense of place. Heritage is all about People and Place. In 2015 President Michael D. Higgins marking the 20th anniversary of the Heritage Council commented; “It is important….to have an integrated approach that offers a connection between what people are trying to do and place. It offers benefits of enabling and empowering local communities to use heritage to improve their sense of wellbeing and quality of life”. “And I would urge .....to reflect on a debate that is now opening up on the importance of the public space in our heritage and in our futures. By this I mean the importance of public spaces, such as parks, and squares and walks; public buildings such as libraries, concerts, churches, halls, theatres; festivals, markets, even. These are all key elements of our heritage: people talking, living, conversing together, rowing together if necessary, but in the public world.” The Waterford Heritage Plan 2017-2022 recognises the mutually beneficial relationship between people and place. Human activity through the establishment of ancient burials and places of worship, farming of the landscape and development of urban centres has created a legacy of archaeological, built, cultural and natural heritage. It is what sets us apart from other places. This plan highlight the sense of well being and purpose that can be gained from investing in our heritage. By identifying and promoting a unique sense of place that is Waterford it stimulates pride in maintaining that resource and stimulates interest in visitors and investors in exploring the city and county. This is a five year plan published in a year that sees the opening of the Waterford Greenway, the upgrade of St. Declan’s Way, the launch of Ireland 2040- A National Planning Framework, the completion of the third National Biodiversity Plan and the delivery of the Creative Ireland Programme. In projects and policy the way is paved for an increased engagement with all aspects of our local heritage. I look forward to the delivery of this plan and its aims of increased community collaboration in conserving and engaging with heritage across Waterford City and County. There is a lot to be gained from a strategic and co-ordinated approach as this plan sets out to do and I wish the Waterford Heritage Forum well in their efforts. Cllr. Adam Wyse, Mayor Waterford City and County Council 2016-2017 3 Vision To increase engagement with, and access to, all aspects of heritage in Waterford City and County and promote conservation, best practice, appreciation and enjoyment of our shared heritage. Mission Statement To set out a strategic and co-ordinated approach for heritage in recognition of the benefits that heritage delivers; identifying a sense of place for Waterford, learning lessons from our past to plan for the future and added value for the development of Waterford City and County. 4 Preamble 1.1 RATIONALE The preparation of a local heritage plan and establishment of a local heritage forum became part of Government policy in the National Heritage Plan (NHP) of 2002. The Heritage Council subsequently published guidelines on preparation of Local Heritage Plans in 2003. A priority of Culture 2025-Éire Ildánach A Framework Policy (2016) is to update the National Heritage Plan to identify priority actions in the heritage area. The Heritage Plan is important because it sets out the priorities for Heritage in Waterford over the next 5 years and is a cross agency plan with input from as wide a sector as possible who are involved in heritage projects, policy and work programmes across the city and county along with an extensive public consultation process. It is also important because it sets the framework for the Heritage Council allocation that we apply for through the annual Heritage Plan Fund. 1.2 HERITAGE AND THE COMMUNITY In 2016, Waterford City and County commemorated the centenary of the 1916 Rising through an events programme involving seven strands; Ceremonial, Historical Reflection, Youth and Imagination, Cultural Expression, The Living Language, Community Participation and Global Diaspora. Particularly heartening was the level of interest and support from community groups across Waterford in all aspects of the events programme. That local communities know best and take pride in their local heritage is without doubt. That they are best placed (with support and partnerships) to promote care, conservation and engagement with that heritage is verified by a number of key projects such as the Adopt a Monument Scheme (Gallows Hill, Dungarvan and Round Hill, Lismore 2016 ), Graveyard recording and cleanups (Drumcannon, Hackettstown), Heritage Towns (Lismore), Native Woodland Scheme (Dunmore East Woods and Park Trust ) and River Enhancement projects (Friends of St. John’s River). Interest in practical wildlife and heritage surveys was demonstrated by enthusiastic community participation in projects such as the Mammals in a Sustainable Environment (MISE 2011-2015) and the Coastal Audit of Waterford Estuary (FLAG 2014). Fenor Bog is one of the few community owned nature reserves in Ireland. The Bilberry Goats associated with Bilberry Rock are a unique feature of Waterford’s mammal population. Another indicator of the increasing interest in heritage amongst the wider public has been expanding participation in Heritage Week events over the past 5 years. With a network of around 10 local history groups, 20 Tidy Towns Groups and a range of environmental and wildlife groups there is a strong community base across Waterford for supporting local heritage projects. It is a key tenet of the Waterford Heritage Plan to continue support of Community Heritage and Citizen Science Projects working with local groups on the ground. 5 1.3 HERITAGE AND QUALITY OF LIFE In our increasingly sedentary and screen filled lifestyles there is an innate need to escape to the outdoors and engage with the landscape and environment. People actively seek out a place and space for reflection and quiet meditation. There has been a renewed appreciation and interest in ancient walkways and sites such as Pilgrim Paths and Holy Wells. The existence of these sites can claim a continuity from pre-Christian times to the present day. Revisiting and engaging with our heritage sites renews our sense of place and grounds us amidst our busy lifestyles. The Waterford Greenway- Rian Glas na nDéise is a significant development for quality of life in Waterford. Not only does it enable walking and cycling in a traffic free environment but allows travel through a historical timeline from early Christian, Viking, Medieval, Industrial and 20th Century heritage sites along with appreciating notable geological and wildlife areas such as the River Suir SAC, Comeragh Mountains SAC and Dungarvan Bay SPA. Engaging with the diversity of heritage along the Greenway, along St. Declan’s Way, our waterways or along our many walking trails enhances the sensory, mental and spiritual experience of being outdoors. There is now an established recognition that the benefits provided by our heritage sites are a form of natural capital which is to be valued as part of our national assets register. It is a key tenet of the Waterford Heritage Plan to promote public engagement with heritage and enhancement of our natural capital as a fundamental requirement for maintaining quality of life. 1.4 HERITAGE TOURISM In August 2016, the House of Waterford Crystal welcomed its 1millionth visitor since it opened in June 2010. Waterford’s industrial heritage of glass making is the core of a rich visitor experience to Waterford’s Viking Triangle that includes Reginald’s Tower, the 18th Century Bishop’s Palace and the award winning Medieval Museum. The three buildings, now a trinity of museums all celebrate Waterford’s rich and diverse heritage. Development of the Viking Triangle acknowledges the foundations of Waterford as Ireland’s oldest city and recognises the role of heritage in urban regeneration and economic growth. The City’s built heritage and archaeology offer further potential for living history projects and complementing public realm enhancement works. Outside of Waterford City, the Waterford Garden Trail has opened up the rich heritage of great houses, landscape demesnes and gardens that can be enjoyed from Waterford City to the Suir and Blackwater Valleys. Waterford has the benefit of a UNESCO designated Geopark- one of only three geoparks on the island of Ireland. The diverse festival offering promoting Waterford’s culture and heritage is a firm base to attract more visitors to the county while national initiatives such as Ireland’s Ancient East offer opportunities for more sites to be made visitor-ready. It is a key tenet of the Waterford Heritage Plan to promote sustainable heritage tourism across Waterford City and County. 6 1.5 HERITAGE- LEARNING, EDUCATION AND TRAINING Lifelong learning is an established aspect of modern life and shown to contribute to positive mental well being. As with other subject areas there are several opportunities for increased learning and education in heritage. Understanding leads to appreciation and care for conservation. Waterford has the benefit of heritage education through a diversity of courses and centres from the Copper Coast Geo-Parks-Education Programme, Heritage in Schools Scheme, Dunhill Multi-Education Centre’s Tourism Trail and Smart Media Course, WIT courses in Arts and Heritage Management and Applied Conservation Skills.